Roof & Ice Damage

Ice Dam Prevention & Damage Repair in MA and CT

Providing solutions to protect your roof from ice dams & water damage

One thing that homeowners dread during snowy weather is the formation of ice dams along the edge of the roof.

An ice dam earns its name by trapping pools of melted water behind the frozen dam created when melted snow re-freezes along the eaves, where the roof is coldest.

Water trapped behind an ice dam can flow under roof shingles and leak into the house, damaging walls, floors, and other materials. Several conditions must exist for ice dam damage to occur (see sidebar below). If all these conditions are present, it’s likely that some water will leak into your house.

Ice dams can cause interior damage to ceilings, walls, and floors, but the right roofing services can eliminate this worry.

With the amount of snow we typically receive in New England, there is potential of damage to both your roof and the interior of your home. The heaviness of the snow is just one issue. Another issue is at some point the temperatures are going to rise (we promise… it will happen sooner or later) and when this happens the snow will melt. Due to the ice build-up on the edge of the roof (ice dam) the melted snow has nowhere to go and it backs up. This water may end up seeping into your attic or down your walls. There is even a potential for mold. Removing the snow properly and safely is extremely important. Please let us know if we can help.

Adequate attic ventilation is important to keep the underside of the roof the same temperature as the outside air. Contact Adam Quenneville Roofing & Siding to improve attic ventilation as a way to prevent ice dams. We offer free estimates for ice dam removal and roof damage repair throughout the Western MA and Hartford County, CT area of Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Prevention is key in keeping ice off your roof and water out of your home

While you can’t prevent snow from collecting on your roof, there are other things you can do to prevent ice dams from causing water damage to your house. Some homeowners choose to focus on reducing the amount of heat that escapes into the attic, warming the upper part of the roof deck and causing snow to melt evenly.

This type of ice dam prevention typically involves sealing air leaks in the attic floor and other solutions. Adequate attic ventilation is also important to keep the underside of the roof the same temperature as the outside air.

How Do Ice Dams Form?

Snow that stays on the roof for more than a few days, combined with freezing temperatures.

Warm air from your living space that leaks into the attic, causing snow to melt high on the roof.

Missing membrane protection beneath roof shingles along roof eaves.

Another way to protect your home from ice dams and the damage associated with them is to make sure that an experienced roofing contractor installs a protective “ice and water” shield along your roof eaves, where the ice dams form.

Many building codes (this may vary by state and town) stipulate that this ice dam membrane protection must extend at least 24 inches inside the heated wall space of a house. However, older houses may not have such protection.

Whenever you have a new roof installed or a roof replaced, it’s essential to have ice and water shield protection installed as well. At Adam Quenneville Roofing & Siding we always ensure that your home is receiving all the products and services it needs to keep you safe and dry. Contact us today to find out which roofing services are most appropriate for your home!

Questions? Concerns?

Do you have concerns about the state of your roof? Contact us today for a no-obligation Free Estimate. We service residents of Holyoke, Springfield, South Hadley, Amherst, Northhampton, Enfield, Westfield, Tolland, South Windsor, Simsbury, and all surrounding areas.